The A-B-C Secrets of Networking

Leadership Foundation Academy's graduate Faith T. scans the horizon for networking

+TR Garland, claimed #1 Best-selling author of “Building the Ultimate Network”, shared with me this weekend the 3 common mistakes that networking folks tend to make.  With a little spin on his sharing and my simplified signature “The A-B-C Secrets of…”, you can certainly be a star at the next social event.

1. Assume - That they know everything about networking. Here’s a good story to ponder: Michael Jordan is the NBA star with couple championship rings, but he struggled with a transition to baseball even at a minor league level.  The point is just because you are great at project management, business development, and have 1,000 “likes” on Facebook, Instagram, Tweeter, or even public speaking, you can’t assume you are good at networking (yet).

2. Buy < sell – If everyone at a Network After Work event is looking to make a sale pitch for her product, her resume, her charity, but not intend to buy anything, then what will happen to a room full of sellers and not enough buyers?  Remember Econ101 “supply and demand” principle?  If you want to standout in that environment, be a Buyer!  Imagine now everyone in the room wants to talk with you, Mr. Buyer…

3. Connection – Not enough of it, that is.  All over the world, business deals are made based on chemistry and relationship (i.e.: I like you + I know you well = I’ll do business with you.)  How many follow up meetings, lunches, social events have you connected with from the list of new contacts at the last networking event that you attended?  Go ahead, make that phone call or take a contact to lunch.  Everybody loves to eat! 

Author Rita Mae Brown once wrote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.”  If you want your next networking event to yield different result, maybe you can try this action, “I will talk to 10 people, buy from one of them, and develop a real connection.”  To start our connection, please share your result in the comment below.  Good luck.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.